The Australian Super Touring Championship was a significant chapter in the history of motor racing in Australia. Established in 1993, it provided a platform for manufacturers to showcase their prowess in a competitive environment. However, despite its promising start, the championship faced challenges that eventually led to its decline in 2002.
The Inception of Super Touring in Australia
The Australian Super Touring Championship was introduced in 1993, replacing the existing Group 3A Touring Car
category. This change was part of a broader effort to create a more inclusive racing environment that allowed new manufacturers to compete alongside established ones. The championship featured two classes: the 2.0 Litre FIA Class II Touring Cars and the 5.0 Litre Touring Cars, which later became known as Super Touring Cars and V8 Supercars, respectively.
In its inaugural year, the Class II cars were eligible to compete in both the Australian Touring Car Championship and their own series, the Australian 2.0 Litre Touring Car Championship. This dual eligibility revived a name used in the mid-1980s for a national title series for 2.0 Litre Group A Touring Cars. By 1995, the Super Touring name was officially adopted, and the series expanded to include a Teams’ title alongside the existing Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ awards.
Manufacturer Participation and Competition
The series was initially seen as an opportunity for manufacturers like BMW, Nissan, and Toyota to continue racing in Australia. Toyota entered the 1993 series with a factory team but withdrew after losing the title to a privateer BMW team. BMW joined the series in 1994, followed by Audi, Hyundai, and Volvo in 1995. Ford and Holden provided support to privately operated teams intermittently over the next few seasons.
Despite the initial enthusiasm, Hyundai did not continue beyond its first season, and BMW withdrew after the 1997 series. Audi and Volvo ended their involvement after the 1999 season, leaving the championship to privateer teams. This shift marked the beginning of the series' decline, as manufacturer support dwindled.
The Decline and Legacy of the Championship
By 2000, the series struggled to maintain its status, with grids bolstered by the Future Touring category. The championship ceased to be self-supporting, and by 2007, participation had dwindled to just one or two cars per race meeting. The category effectively disappeared, marking the end of an era in Australian motor racing.
Despite its decline, the Australian Super Touring Championship left a lasting legacy. It demonstrated the potential for a competitive racing environment that balanced cost and performance, influencing future racing series in Australia. The championship's history serves as a reminder of the challenges and opportunities in the world of motorsport.
